Hello lovelies! Emma here, back with another fabulous #TutuTuesday from your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina blogger. I'm here to take you on a whirl through time to uncover the enchanting history of the ballet tutu, a journey as beautiful as a pirouette!
It's a snowy January morning in London, and the fog is so thick it makes me wish for a little magic ā oh, and a cup of warming hot chocolate! But itās also a brilliant day because, on the 16th January 1855, a very important theatrical event took place ā The Ballet of āLa Esmeraldaā premiered at the Theatre de lāOpera in Paris! Now, before I gush over how exquisite the costumes must have been (tutus galore!), let's take a quick trip back in time to the birth of the ballet tutu as we know it.
You might be surprised, darlings, but the early tutus werenāt the pretty pouffy creations we adore today. They were actually very long and flowing, worn with corsets and skirts, quite the elaborate affair. But during the Romantic era (think swoon-worthy stories, big feelings, and beautiful dancing), ballet wanted a costume that moved like a dream. Imagine this: the ballerina, so graceful, gliding across the stage ā her long skirts would just hinder that airy elegance.
Enter Marie Taglioni, a superstar of the time. Now, she wasnāt afraid of change, and she knew exactly what the ballerinas needed ā freedom to move! She encouraged the use of shorter, layered skirts, leading to the evolution of what we know and love as the ballet tutu! The iconic image of the ballerina, pirouetteing gracefully in her frilly tutu, truly started to emerge around this time.
Of course, as fashion dictates, the tutus went through their fair share of changes. We went from those stunning layered tulle skirts to the short, puffed tutus with the iconic āpagodaā shape (the perfect little structure to make any dancer feel like a ballerina princess). Itās all about the silhouette, darlings! But there was something special about the 1855 āLa Esmeraldaā production - it was said that the tutus worn were just a bitā¦different.
I imagine a soft, floating dance with tulle so airy that it captured the spirit of Esmeralda herself ā perhaps with a touch of drama. Now, you wouldn't know it looking at me now, dressed in this gloriously pink tutu, but when Iām time travelling it's important to look as though I belong. My wardrobe might not quite stretch to 1855 Parisian style, but let's face it, even today's ballerinas would rock a lovely long flowing skirt (I know I certainly would!) with a touch of elegant detailing. But thatās a thought for another post!
My dear readers, remember: every new style is a journey, an exciting transformation! Just like how the tutu went from practical to enchanting, fashion evolves as we do, always in search of something that makes us feel confident and ready to twirl! I believe the power of fashion can transform lives. The tutu? Oh, it can take us all to a magical place. We may not all be ballerinas, but everyone deserves a chance to wear a pink tutu at least once in their life, donāt you think?
Now, enough of history and onto the real fun - a peek into some of my favourite tutus on stage right now! If you happen to be in London this month, the Royal Ballet is showcasing "Swan Lake", an absolute must-see for any ballet lover, and oh those white tutus! Such elegance, I just adore them. Thereās a reason the swan is such an iconic symbol in ballet.
Speaking of must-sees, you all know my motto: "Always dress for the occasion!" Iām about to embark on a shopping trip to Covent Garden later today. If you follow me on Instagram you already know I'm partial to a bit of ballet inspired fashion! I've spotted the most beautiful ballet-themed sweaters at Zara and my favourite shoe boutique, Louboutin, just released a line with an absolutely stunning tutu-like heel (I just had to get a pair!) I may have a little treat for my lovely blog readers as well. You just wait!
This has been your weekly #TutuTuesday update. Donāt forget to pop by my website www.pink-tutu.com for more tutu talk, ballerina fun, and some gorgeous pics of my own adventures.
Donāt forget to keep spreading that pink tutu love, darlings, and remember, if you ever want to visit a different time or learn about ballet's fantastic history, you know how to reach me! (wink).
Yours in Tutu-filled Bliss,
Emma
PS. I've just landed in a London cafƩ with a scrumptious hot chocolate and some decadent pink-iced cake. Time travel does make you hungry, especially when it's London's finest bakeries you have to visit. Stay tuned, I might be starting a "Pink Tea & Ballet History" series - now that's a treat for both the mind and tummy!
